Union Govt approves Bhuj-Naliya gauge converstion, extention

India

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Published: Friday, October 17, 2008, 21:14 [IST]

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Ahmedabad, Oct 17 (UNI) The much awaited conversion of 101 km long Bhuj-Nalia Metre Gauge (MG) railway line into Broad Gauge (BG) line along with its extension upto Vayor (24.65 kms) has finally received the nod of the Union Government.

The Indian Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yesterday approved the proposal to convert the Bhuj-Naliya MG line (101.24 kms) into BG with an extension to Vayor at a cost of Rs 318.24 crore. Out of this, Rs 238.24 crore will be funded through Budgetary Support and Rs 80 crore will be given by Cement Industries in the area, an official release said here.

The existing Metre Gauge Bhuj-Naliya link was constructed in late 1980s on strategic consideration. After completion of gauge conversion of Ghandidham-Bhuj Section, this MG section had become isolated and was closed for traffic, the release said.

The Gauge conversion will tap the freight traffic of this rich mineral belt and cement industries of Kutch. Besides it will also connect border areas of Gujarat with rest of the country, the release added.